How to Grow Night Blooming Cereus Cuttings

Native to Central and South American rain forests, night-blooming cereus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is a climbing cactus sans the thorns. In maturity, it blooms in seven-inch, highly fragrant flowers, bi-weekly, from mid-summer to fall, from midnight until dawn, for one day only. If pollinated during this period, the plant will produce red berries after blooming. Night-blooming cereus can be grown outdoors, in the landscape, in the warmer regions of the U.S. Fortunately for northern gardeners, it thrives in pots as well. Take the cutting after the plant has finished blooming.

Care Of Night Blooming Cereus

Four different plants are commonly referred to as night-blooming cereus. These include dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), also sometimes referred to as pitaya or strawberry pear, and Dutchman’s Pipe (Epiphyllum oxypetalum). If you grow yours outdoors, make sure to plant it in a spot where intense exposure to sunlight and heat is unlikely. In fact, too much shade can inhibit flowering and cause poor fruit production, which is important if you’re interested in harvesting dragon fruit. Night-blooming cereus tolerate cool climates but can be damaged by colder temperatures. They like well-draining, sandy soil best with compost added for nutrients. However, unlike those planted in the ground, potted night-blooming cereus could take from three to five years to produce flowers. Because of the cold sensitivity of night-blooming cereus, bring your potted plant inside whenever there is a cold snap.